Dundonnell rescuers thank outdoor fans after two months without callouts

Rescuers in north-west Scotland have thanked the public for sticking to government rules on exercising.

Dundonnell Mountain Rescue Team said it had had no mountain callouts during the Covid-19 pandemic crisis.

Team leader Iain Nesbitt said: “As we approach the end of the second full month of lockdown I am pleased to say that our team has not had any mountain rescue callouts.

“All of us in the team are grateful to all those members of the public whose adherence to Scottish Government restrictions has played a part in this milestone being achieved.

“I’m well aware how challenging these restrictions are. Every one of our volunteers is also an outdoor and mountain pursuits enthusiast who wants to be out on the hills and trails just as much as anyone else, particularly during what has been a dry, sunny spring in the Highlands.

“However, until further notice, please continue to follow Scottish Government advice. Exercise locally and avoid high-risk activities which might lead to mountain rescue and other emergency services having to attend accidents.”

From next Thursday, the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the government expects to relax rules slightly to allow travelling short distances for outdoor leisure and exercise but the advice will be to stay within a short distance of your local community.

Also included in the changes will be permitting unrestricted outdoors exercise adhering to distancing measures and non-contact outdoor activities in the local area, such as golf, hiking, canoeing, outdoor swimming and angling.